2015 HUMANITIES FREE-RESPONSE QUESTIONS

Source C Eng.

Lowell, James Russell. “Annual Reports of the Dante Society”.
Historical Journal 18 May. 1886: JSTOR. Web. 18 May
2015.

SUMMARY: The below is a letter written by Dante in response to Florentinian policy of allowing exiles to return with a fine and penance, Dante denounces Florence and all men ready to accept a this deal. The student can use this to establish the corruption within society which angered Dante so greatly and motivated his decisions on whom to place in hell. Is this then the glorious recall of Dante Alighieri to his country, after nearly three lustres of suffering exile? Did an innocence patent to all merit this? This, the perpetual sweat and toil of study? Far from a man, the housemate of philosophy, be so rash and earthen-hearted a humility as to allow himself to be offered up bound, like a schoolboy or a criminal ! Far from a man, the preacher of justice, to pay those who have done him wrong as for a favor ! This is not the way of returning to my country ; but if another can be found that shall not derogate from the fame and honor of Dante, that I will take with no lagging steps. For if by none such Florence may be entered, by me then never ! Can I not everywhere behold the mirrors of the sun and stars? – speculate on sweetest truths under any sky, without first giving myself up inglorious, nay, ignominious, to the populace and city of Florence? Nor shall I want for bread.